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PhD Chemist & Math Expert | Patient Tutor for STEM & Test Prep
Donnie R.

5.0 (3 ratings)

33 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $100
Contact Donnie
Response time: 11 hours

About Donnie

Bio

Hi, I'm Donnie. I'm a PhD chemist from UC Berkeley with a passion for making complex subjects feel approachable and clear. My goal is to help students build a deep, fundamental understanding so they can solve problems with confidence and curiosity. With perfect scores on the quantitative sections of the SAT and GRE, I also specialize in effective test preparation.

Subjects I Teach
Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus

Science: Chemistry (all...

Hi, I'm Donnie. I'm a PhD chemist from UC Berkeley with a passion for making complex subjects feel approachable and clear. My goal is to help students build a deep, fundamental understanding so they can solve problems with confidence and curiosity. With perfect scores on the quantitative sections of the SAT and GRE, I also specialize in effective test preparation.

Subjects I Teach
Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus

Science: Chemistry (all levels, including college Organic Chemistry), Physics (all levels, including AP), Biology

Test Prep: SAT, ACT, GRE

My Teaching Philosophy
I believe in guiding students to a grounded understanding of the fundamentals so they can creatively solve new challenges, not just memorize steps. I use analogies and real-world examples to make complex concepts click, and I always personalize my strategy to each student's unique way of thinking. Beyond the course material, I also mentor students in study skills, test-taking strategies, and time management.

My Experience
Dual-degree B.S. in chemistry and mathematics

High School Physics Teacher (College-Prep & AP levels)

Head Graduate Student Instructor at UC Berkeley for a 250-student Organic Chemistry course

Research Mentor for high school and undergraduate students in intensive science programs

Peer Tutor for Math, Chemistry, and Physics at UMass Amherst

Extensive experience creating supportive learning environments for students with ADHD and autism.

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Education

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Chemistry
University of California, Berkeley
PhD

Policies

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Approved Subjects

Algebra 1

Algebra 1

A strong foundation in Algebra is the single most important factor for success in all future high school and college STEM courses. My goal is to build that foundation with patience and a focus on deep, conceptual understanding. With a B.S. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in a related science, I have a complete mastery of algebraic concepts. I've applied these skills daily, from teaching algebra-based AP Physics to using advanced math in my own research. My direct experience includes hundreds of hours of one-on-one tutoring for students in Pre-Algebra and Algebra, including two years focused specifically on middle school math. I specialize in making abstract concepts feel concrete and approachable, helping students who feel 'lost' to feel relieved and empowered.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I have deep and high-level mastery of Algebra II, grounded in practical application and extensive, teaching experience: Direct Tutoring Experience: I have hundreds of hours of experience successfully guiding students through Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II. Advanced Application: My background includes college-level Calculus and a year of teaching AP Physics, an algebra-based course that requires a foundational mastery of all Algebra II concepts. Scientific Expertise: With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Mathematics, my career has depended on the daily application of algebraic principles to solve complex, real-world problems. This multi-faceted expertise allows me to teach not only the "how" of Algebra II but the "why," connecting concepts to future studies in STEM and beyond.
Calculus

Calculus

My expertise in Calculus is built on a B.S. in Mathematics and extensive, direct experience teaching the subject. As a certified Peer Tutor at UMass Amherst, I spent three semesters guiding college students through Calculus I, II, and III, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra. My experience goes beyond the textbook; as a high school teacher for AP Physics, I applied calculus concepts daily to solve real-world problems. Furthermore, my Ph.D. in Chemistry required a deep, intuitive command of multivariable calculus to model complex systems. This background allows me to teach both the mechanics of calculus and the intuition behind it, helping students build skills for success in their course and future STEM careers.
Chemistry

Chemistry

As a Ph.D. chemist from UC Berkeley, I have a deep and intuitive command of chemical principles from the high school level through advanced organic and physical chemistry. My passion for the subject is matched by my extensive experience teaching it. At UC Berkeley and UMass Amherst, I served as a Head Graduate Student Instructor , lab instructor , and Teaching Assistant , but most relevantly, I was a Peer Tutor specifically for General Chemistry I & II. My approach is to demystify the subject, using real-world examples to make complex concepts click. I help students move beyond rote memorization to truly understand the 'why' behind the chemistry, building the confidence and critical-thinking skills needed to succeed.
Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

As a PhD chemist from UC Berkeley, my expertise in organic chemistry is both deep and practical. At Berkeley, I was selected as the Head Graduate Student Instructor for a 250-student organic chemistry lecture course, where my responsibilities included coordinating the teaching team, leading weekly review sessions, and drafting and grading exams. I also received the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award. This experience was built on a foundation of two semesters as an organic chemistry lab instructor and three semesters as a peer tutor for Organic Chemistry I & II at UMass Amherst. My approach is to move students beyond rote memorization by focusing on the underlying principles and patterns that make the material intuitive. My goal is to help you build the confidence and critical-thinking skills needed to solve complex problems and excel on your exams.
Physics

Physics

My approach to physics is grounded in my direct experience as a High School Physics Teacher, where I designed curriculum and taught both New York Regents and AP Physics courses. This classroom experience is complemented by my time as a CRLA-certified Peer Tutor at UMass Amherst, where I tutored college students in Physics I & II—courses in which I also earned top marks. Furthermore, my Ph.D. work in Physical Chemistry required the constant application of advanced physics principles, giving me a deep, intuitive grasp of the subject. My goal is to help students visualize the concepts and build a strong foundational understanding, allowing them to solve problems creatively rather than just memorizing equations.
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Response time: 11 hours

Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

A tutor who truly cares about his students success!

Donnie has been really great for me in Organic Chemistry 2. From our very first session, it was clear that he has a deep and thorough understanding of the subject. He doesn’t just teach—he explains concepts in a way that makes them click, creating a comfortable and engaging learning environment where I feel confident asking questions and working through difficult topics. What truly sets Donnie apart is his ability to break down complex ideas into manageable, understandable pieces. He’s incredibly patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in his students' success. For the first time, organic chemistry feels approachable, and that’s something I never thought I’d say! He pays attention to what the student needs and prioritizes that. When I was seeming confused, he made sure to check in to make sure I was getting the most out of our session. On top of that, he’s flexible with scheduling, making it easy to fit sessions into my busy life. If you’re struggling with Orgo (or just want to deepen your understanding), I would recommend Donnie!! He’s an outstanding tutor who truly cares!

Kinza, 5 lessons with Donnie
Hourly Rate: $100
Response time: 11 hours
Contact Donnie